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Barge MGM 3030; Chocolate Bayou, TX

Chocolate Bayou, TX | 2005-Aug-16

Initial Notification: The NOAA SSC was notified on the morning of 16 August 2005, that a barge carrying sulfuric acid was venting fumes and was sinking near Alvin Texas. The reported position was 29deg 14.117 N Lat. 095deg 12.950 W Long. Initial water sampling didn't show any change in pH near the vessel. Several voids were compromised and acid was detected in each. Samples of the voids and cargo tanks were taken to characterize the percent acid. Product was lightered from the vessel. The barge was moved into a dry dock facility. This ended the active response to MGM 3030.

Incident Details
Primary threat:Chemical
Products of concern:sulfuric acid
Total amount at risk of spill: 431,000 gallons
Latitude (approximate): 29° 17.89′ North
Longitude (approximate): 94° 51.04′ West